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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead

Issue 201

Attack Trained Christians

I recently heard a radio sermon from a well known preacher describing his encounter with a Jehovah’s Witness that had come to his door.  This preacher was an excellent and captivating speaker.   He found that the visitor was well founded in what he believed and went into what I call “the Christian Attack Mode.”  The preacher was very well educated and delighted in attacking the Jehovah’s Witness beliefs.  The preacher then admonished the visitor not to visit any of the adjacent homes and even followed him into another neighborhood to keep him from visiting other homes in the area.

 This story could have just as well referenced a couple of young men with white shirts and ties on bicycles who knock on doors to share their faith as “Mormon Missionaries.”  I’m sure there are other faiths that experience less than friendly response as they try to share their beliefs. 

Many of us who consider ourselves to be “mainstream fundamental bible-believing born-again Christians” are quick to attack the beliefs of anyone outside of that realm.  Some of us will attack those of another denomination within our realm.  We will argue over baptism, communion, divorce, race, gender in the pulpit & church hierarchy,  appropriate dress, tithing, and many other things.  We often spend more time defending our “turf” than loving our neighbor and sharing our beliefs. 

I define “Cold Witnessing” as walking up to someone or knocking at their door and sharing my faith followed by asking them if they would like to accept Christ as their personal savior.  An action such as that takes a great deal of conviction and courage.  The person that does this is opening himself to possible anger, rudeness, insults, and rejection.  The Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon that comes to your door believes in his faith deeply enough to share it in such a manner.  I find myself wondering why those of us who profess fundamental Christianity are seldom found knocking on doors and publicly sharing our belief.

We need to do some Christian “Self Examination.”   Scripture says: 

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (New King James Version) 

⁵ Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. ⁶ But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. 

The foundation of my faith is the Bible as it is revealed to me by God’s Holy Spirit.  It is the Bible known as The “Authorized or King James” translation which was completed around 1611 and accepted modern English versions.  There is a lot of information available concerning  the various translations of Aramaic , Greek, Latin that lead to this translation  if you would care to review it.  This translation was complete 400 years ago from sources that date back nearly 2000 years.  In my opinion, the Bible does not “stand by it-self.”  It is the Holy Spirit of God that reveals its meaning and truth to me.  I do not attempt to attack whatever additions or deletions that other groups or individuals claiming to be Christians have in their “Bible.”  I am happy to discuss the differences with others to show why I believe in the accuracy of the Bible I consider to be the inspired work of God and listen to their opinion.  In the end, God will reveal the truth because He is the source of truth through His Holy spirit. 

As “Christians” we follow the teachings of “the Christ” whom we believe to be Jesus of Nazareth.  We are to emulate him.  What did He say and how did He conduct himself?

Be Merciful, even as your Father is merciful.   Luke 6:36  

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.  Matthew 5:7

All those who take the sword will perish by the sword. Matthew 26:52

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  Luke 14:11

The eye is the lamp of the body.  So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; and if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If then the light in you is darkness, how great is darkness!  Matthew 6:22-23

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  The second is like it,   You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.  Matthew 22:37-40 

As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.  Luke 6:31

If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses neither will your father forgive your trespasses.  Matthew 6:14-15

Judge not, that you be not judged.  Matthew 7:1 

Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13 

You did not chose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.  This I command to you, to love one another.  John 15:16-17 

Beware of practicing you piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 6:1 

Do I agree with the complete doctrine of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, and others who profess to be Christians?    The answer is an honest and simple “No.”  I am sure that they would say the same about my belief in conventional fundamental Christian doctrine.  The point is that WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR.  We are to love and pray for one another and follow the example of Jesus.  We are not called to “attack” one another; we are called to “love” one another.  We are not called to “judge” one another; that is God’s job. 

As for me, at 65 I am still learning to love instead of attacking.  If it was good enough for Jesus, it was good enough for me.  I know that my responsibility is to share my faith and let the “teacher” (God’s Holy Spirit) dot the dot the i’s and cross the t’s. The next time someone comes to your door to share their faith or hands you a tract, thank them for taking the time to share their faith and then offer to share yours. If they are not receptive, then “agree to disagree” and say goodbye.  If the Holy Spirit has prepared their heart to receive the Gospel, they will listen to you.  If not, then pray that the Lord will do His work with them and wait for the next opportunity to share your faith. 

If you are an “Attack Trained Christian” then take an honest look in the mirror of your mind; If you don’t see the reflection of Jesus, then ask Him to show you His way.”  I did. 

Today’s Prayer

Father, Jesus said “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Please help us to follow His example in all we say and do, for it is in His name we pray. 

Doug

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead

Note:  This issue number 200 re-starts regular postings of my mission of sharing the thoughts of one man and the Bible as influenced by God’s Holy Spirit.  I hope you are blessed and encouraged by these writings. 

Issue 200 

Turning Points

Some time ago, I wrote a Lead & Serve issue based on Ecclesiastes verses indicating there is a “time” for all things in the rhythm of life. There are times when that rhythm is violently interrupted such as the horrific earthquake in Japan on the 11^th of March 2011 or the “911” terrorist attack on the United States.  On a smaller scale, we experience accidents, untimely deaths, and personal events that create crisis in the rhythm our individual lives. 

These occurrences can all be “turning points” in our lives.  We become complacent without them.  In our country we turn on the lights, the faucet, flush the toilet, heat or cool our homes without thinking much about it.  As of  the 12^th of March, 2011 those actions were no longer available to 1000’s in Japan.  Many people in the New York area sent their family members off to work on Sept. 1, 2011 as they had many other times.  Over 3000 of these family members never came home again.  The same holds true for an untold number of families in Japan as a result of the March 12 earthquake. 

These “turning points” forever changed the lives of all involved.   People that expected to live their lives in a planned manner for the 70-80 years of our current life expectancy, were rudely awakened.  We can plan for the future but we cannot accurately define the future. 

There are several lessons that come to my mind as a result of experiencing this latest “turning point.” We need to appreciate and be truly thankful for those blessings that we take for granted everyday.  When we greet or say goodbye to our loved ones we need to mean it!  One never knows when the last “I love you” may come.  Live each day to its fullest for tomorrow is not guaranteed. 

If you are not “right” with God, do something about it today.  God’s Holy Spirit will call you to Him every day of your life.  God loves you and has a plan for your life here and throughout eternity.  You eternally break your connection to Him if you continue to ignore the call until your life ends.  Your  body will die but your spirit will not.

The Bible talks about the “second death.” 

Revelation 20:12-15 

¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. ¹⁴ Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. 

The Bible tells us that existence doesn’t end with your death.  All of us will be held accountable for our conduct in this life.  Those who answered the call of God’s Spirit and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ will have their names written in the Book of Life and escape the “second death.”  Is your name in there? 

If you would like to know what God’s plan is for each of us on this planet, please go to this link:  http://mikeandfamily.com/lsblog/?p=298

Today’s Prayer:

Father, all of us experience the call of your Holy Spirit.  We are called to something infinitely greater than this life. You are faithful to continue that call even though we reject it time and time again.  Help us to listen carefully to that call and respond to it.  Help us to realize the seriousness of a second death.  Make the Gospel of Jesus clear to us in this dark world.

Doug

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead

Issue 199

Straddling the Fence

 There have been times in my life (more than I would like to admit) that I tried to be “all things to all people.”  When I was around “church” people I would do all the right things.  When I was around the “guys” at work I would listen to the inappropriate stories, share in the gossip, and be a “good old boy.”  I could talk “farming” with the farmers, “plumbing’ with the plumbers, “social justice” with ladies and minorities, and “prejudice” with the bigots and radicals.  This was the “easy way” to fit in with everybody.

 As I grow in my Christian faith, I find that God expects commitment from those of us who claim to follow Jesus.  Those who straddle the fence may find that it is connected directly to Hells’ gate.  Commitment to me means that my first thought upon awaking and my last thought before falling to sleep concerns my relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  That, for me, is not too difficult; it is the time between the two that is difficult.  My mind should be on the Lord constantly but it is not.  As I grow in my faith, I find that I am more able to keep my life Christ centered.  The Bible gives us this wonderful instruction:

 Don’t worry about meeting your needs and those of your family.

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

In these troubled times in our world, you can have peace of mind.

Isaiah 26:3

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,   Whose mind is stayed on You,

      Because he trusts in You.

 Jesus said this:

 John 10:10

 10 …….. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 To me, the “abundant life” means that you are living, to the best of your ability, life in accordance with God’s will as expressed in the bible.  God has promised to meet your needs, give you peace of mind, and bless you now and throughout eternity if you accept the free gift of salvation through the price paid by Jesus.

 As a follower of Jesus, you are expected to live a life that honors God.  These verses confirm that thought:

 Revelation 3:15-17

 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

 As a Christian I have been given eternal life and fellowship with God.  If my life (and yours) does not reflect that, we are not seeking God’s will.

 If you would like to know what God’s plan is for each of us on this planet, please go to this link:  http://mikeandfamily.com/lsblog/?p=298

 Today’s Prayer:

 Father God……I must remind myself each day that this world is not my home.  As long as I keep my thoughts on You, all will be well because you have promised it.  Please help us to listen to the still, small voice of Your Spirit.  Enable us to spread the good news of Jesus in this world that needs it so desperately.

 Doug

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead 

Issue 198 

Fundamental Christianity and Tolerance

I often hear and read complaints that Fundamental Christianity is intolerant when it comes to personal freedoms, especially in our country.  Those who complain in this manner do not understand fundamental Christianity.  I will even dare to go out on a limb and state that many professing Christianity do not understand it either.  I want to make it CLEAR that these are MY thoughts and do not represent the doctrine of any particular established denomination or group.  I believe these thoughts have been impressed on me by the Holy Spirit of God as I consider my faith.  As I grow in my faith I find that some things I have believed are incorrect and vice-versa.  Lead & Serve is a method by which I examine my faith and share my thoughts with you in an attempt to bring us all closer to understanding God’s grace.

Before we examine the tolerance issue, I would like to briefly describe my personal outlook on dealing with my fellow human beings and fundamental Christianity.

I find this quotation to be of great value:

“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”  (WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, Hamlet, act I, scene iii)

Here’s another quote that is of equal value:

“I meant what I said, and said what I meant…” (Dr. Seuss in his 1954 book “Horton Hears a Who,”)

In simple words: Be honest with yourself.  See things as they are rather than what you would like them to be or what others tell you they are.  Be honest in your dealings with others. Say what you truly believe without embellishment.

Fundamental Christianity to me is believing in the workings of God with man as stated in the Holy Bible as revealed to the reader by God’s Holy Spirit.  Christians will argue over which “translation” is the “true Word of God.”  I am most comfortable with the King James Version and its modern English translations.  You must make your own decision.  If this book is indeed “The Word of God.” He is perfectly capable of protecting its content.

To me, Christianity is NOT a part of a balanced life; it is the core of life.  God is sovereign. I was put here by Him.  I belong to Him.  My purpose is to serve and obey Him.  Although He could have made me his puppet slave, He made me in His own image and gave me the freedom to make my own decisions.  The choice to recognize and honor Him is my own.  He made me and honored me with his love and free will. He knew I would betray Him and He provided a way for me (and all mankind) to be forgiven.  That way was for His Son, Jesus to pay for my betrayal by dying in my place.  That may be very hard for you to understand, but if you truly seek God and take time to study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will explain it to you.

As a fundamental Christian my first responsibilities are as stated in  Luke 10:27

 ²⁷ ………….“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’”; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

When asked to define “neighbor,” Jesus related the parable of the Good Samaritan.  When you study this passage in view of the Jewish culture at the time, you learn that your “neighbor” is any other human being; not just your friend, acquaintance, member of your religion, fellow citizen, or member of your racial group.  The implications of this are awesome! Every person that exists or will exist on this earth is my neighbor.

As a Christian, there is no excuse or rationalization for me to hate another human being; in fact I am to love all as I love myself.  I have not always felt this way.  Like the Apostle Paul, I once thought I could justify hating, persecuting, and even killing those who did not believe as I did, look as I did, or live life as I thought it should be lived. As I read the Gospel of Jesus in the New Testament and experienced the teaching of God’s Holy Spirit, I found how wrong my attitude against my neighbor has been.

I found that my opinion that other races were genetically inferior to my own (even though I voiced equality) was based on prejudices I knew were wrong.

I found that my hatred against homosexual people and acceptance of violence against them was wrong because as a Christian I am to love the sinner but hate the sin.  The Bible clearly shows that sexual sin of all kinds is an abomination to God, but that God’ s grace through the Gospel of Jesus is available to who believe regardless of the sin.

I found that my indifference towards the death and destruction of those in other non-Christian nations was in opposition to the will of God in that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

I found that my judgmental and hateful attitude towards so-called cults and other Christian groups that do not share my beliefs was not acceptable.  Scripture teaches us that it is God’s place to judge and our place to pray for and love our neighbors and even our enemies.

I must repeat: “As a Christian, there is no excuse or rationalization for me to hate another human being.”   However, there is a responsibility for me, as a Christian, to do all I can in love and honesty to proclaim and advance the kingdom of God.  Part of that responsibility is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word, The Bible.

As an American who loves his country, I believe the country was founded on Godly Judeo Christian principles.  I believe that our increasing trend towards ignoring those principles in favor of “tolerance” that favors calling things “acceptable” that are clearly called “sin” by God is literally destroying our nation.  I pray for those that rebel against God’s principles that they may see the error of their ways and come to salvation through Jesus Christ.  I will actively support those who honor God’s principles in serving and leading our country.  I will peacefully and respectfully oppose those who advocate humanistic policies that are in direct opposition to God’s principles.

If you would like to know what God’s plan is for each of us on this planet, please go to this link:  http://mikeandfamily.com/lsblog/?p=298

Today’s Prayer:

Father God, thank you for your Holy Spirit who enables us to understand your great love and compassion for mankind.  We tend to look at your ways as too complex for our understanding, when all it really takes is childlike faith to know you.  We need to become childlike in our search for you.  When we learn that “God said it, I believe it, and that’s good enough for me,” we will know you as our father.  We approach you boldly in the name of Jesus.

Doug

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead 

Issue 197 

The Christian Battle Cry 

I was waiting upon the Holy Spirit to inspire me with a subject for this Lead & Serve issue, when a strange thought came to mind that was this: “The Ultimate Christian Weapon”  I then thought “Why do we need a weapon?”

The Spirit’s answer was “Because we are at war!”  The Bible says:

Ephesians 6:12

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

This “war” started before the creation of this earth.  It started at the dwelling place of the Creator with the fall of Lucifer (Satan).

Isaiah 14:12-15

¹² “ How you are fallen from heaven,
      O Lucifer, son of the morning!
      How you are cut down to the ground,
      You who weakened the nations!
       ¹³ For you have said in your heart:
      ‘ I will ascend into heaven,
      I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
      I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
      On the farthest sides of the north;
       ¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
      I will be like the Most High.’
       ¹⁵ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
      To the lowest depths of the Pit.

Mankind became involved in the battle with the fall of Adam and Eve when Satan influenced them to disobey God. 

Genesis 3:4-5

⁴ Then the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “You will not surely die. ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

The war has continued to this day.  Good verses evil, truth verses lies, love verses hate, war verses peace, greed verses sharing, and many other conflicts are part of this age-old war.  The war rages within each of us as the Apostle Paul said in this verse:

Romans 7:18-19

18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing

When we join the family of God by accepting Jesus Christ as our savior we are automatically enlisted in God’s army.  We are issued equipment for the battle:

Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Our orders are to “fight the good fight”

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Our weapons are:

2 Corinthians 6:7
in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

We shout the Christian Battle Cry: Jesus Saves!

We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, climb the mountains, cross the waves;
Onward! ’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Waft it on the rolling tide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, you islands of the sea; echo back, you ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Sing above the battle strife: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout it brightly through the gloom, when the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Give the winds a mighty voice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free; highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!  (Words by Patricia J. Owens Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: 1882)

If you would like to understand what the battle cry of “Jesus Saves” is all about, please go to this link:  http://mikeandfamily.com/lsblog/?p=298

Today’s Prayer:

Father God, it is a strange war we fight.  We kill none, wound none, and destroy nothing.  We love those who war against us and care for their wounds and needs.  Sometimes we are wounded and even killed by those we offer love, peace, and Your gift of eternal life.  We follow Your example as shown in the life and sacrifice of Your Son Jesus.  Give us the understanding, love, strength, and courage to do Your will for Jesus’ sake.  

Doug

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead 

Issue 196

Dickens  Made Me Do It! 

When I was a little boy I was mischievous.  One day I did something that Grandma didn’t appreciate.  She said “Douglas, you are a little Dickens!” I don’t even remember what that bit of mischief was, but “Dickens” stuck with me.  From that point on, I would blame all of my boyhood misdeeds on Dickens.  The cry of “Douglas, did you do this?” was answered by “No Grandma, Dickens did it!”  Dickens became my imaginary playmate and scapegoat.   I knew, even as a small child, that some of the things I did would result in punishment for me and I tried to pass blame for those things to someone else.  I’m told that Dickens became very “real” to me and that I actually believed (in my childish way) that he was responsible for my transgressions. 

Today we may say that another individual or group is responsible for our misdeeds as adults.  Some religious folks will say “I couldn’t help it; the devil made me do it!”  Somebody, a group, or the devil may have influenced you but YOU made the decision to take the action.  

What brought today’s topic to mind was the brutal, evil, and senseless shooting of U.S. Congresswoman Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, AZ on January 8, 2011.  Why did the shooter (allegedly Jared L. Loughner) shoot this lady, kill 6 others, and wound an additional 13? 

The “talking heads” in the news, various politicians, and pundits of all sorts are offering their opinions on what drove the shooter to committing this act.  Some blame the act on the so-called “Tea Party” and right-wing Republicans.  Those who are socially conservative or fundamental Christians are also blamed due to their “lack of tolerance.”  Conversely, the conservative “right wing” says the liberal “left wing” has created the situation through years of promoting moral degeneration which has destroyed the nation’s foundation. Others say the cause is the ease which people can obtain firearms or high-capacity magazines for the weapons. 

From information that has surfaced since the Tucson attack, the alleged perpetrator acted alone.  His background indicated extreme mental problems. All of us probably have some kind of mental problem, but we don’t commit senseless acts of violence.  So, why did the man shoot all of these people?  Information shows that he was very angry with Ms. Giffords.  He consciously purchased a firearm in accordance with the law.  He left confusing but revealing information on his web site concerning his anger and in written materials in his home.  He evidently got into a taxi, went to the Safeway Store location where Ms. Giffords was making an appearance, and opened fire. The left didn’t do it. The right didn’t do it. The gun didn’t do it. Mental instability didn’t do it. Dickens didn’t do it. That leaves us with the shooter. He did it because he made the choice to do so. 

The tragedy in Tucson is one more in a string that includes at least 13 that have taken place since 1991.  156 people died in these incidents.  We have been murdering each other for a very long time.  This verse records the first murder known to man: 

Genesis 4:8 

⁸ Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

There is no doubt that the opinions and rhetoric of others can influence our actions.  The answer to why we plan and commit evil actions as groups of people or individuals is expressed in several bible verses.  God placed man (Adam) in the Garden of Eden to live forever.  God gave Adam one command:

Genesis 2:16-17

¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

When God confronted Adam and wanted to know why he had disobeyed, Adam blamed Eve who, in turn, blamed the serpent (Satan).

Genesis 3:12-13

¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”  ¹³ Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”    The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

That was the beginning of the end for mankind.  Each of the participants lost God’s blessing.  Mankind fell from immortality to mortality with all of its sadness and pain.

Ecclesiastes 7:29

Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes  

In the attack of the alleged shooter, Jared L. Loughner, we see the results: senseless violence, pain, suffering, and loss of life.  In the world we see the results: wars, genocide, famine, disease, pestilence, hate, prejudice, slavery, totalitarian rule, and destruction of our planet.  In the United States of America we see the results: the moral and societal decay along with fiscal decline of a nation that was founded on Godly principles.

I have heard people say “why can’t we all just get along!” many times.  The same people may say “Man is basically good and we will overcome our problems.” I wish that were so, but it is not.  We have been at enmity with God and each other since the expulsion of mankind from Eden.

Romans 5:12

¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

If God had left us to ourselves we would eventually destroy ourselves and everything around us.  Fortunately, He provided a way out for mankind:

John 3:16

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 This has been one of the most difficult Lead & Serve issues that I have been privileged to write.  I never know exactly who reads these issues.  Some of you understand what I am saying and some of you are confused by it.  It is very painful for me to watch the country that I love come apart.  Before I knew God, I was a confused part of the problem.  Now that I know God through Jesus Christ, I recognize the problem and know what the solution is.

We the people have messed up BIG TIME!  We took our eyes and hearts off of God and placed them on ourselves.  If you want to know the source of the world’s problems, look in the mirror.  We (mankind) are the problem. The only answer is to honor God and put Him first in all things.  Those of you reading this have felt God’s call through the Holy Spirit.  You can’t accept it or reject it unless you understand it.  The answers are in the Bible when you are taught its meaning by the Holy Spirit.  Please go to this Lead & Serve message with an open mind and heart.  http://mikeandfamily.com/lsblog/?p=298

Today’s Prayer:

Heavenly Father….What we do to each other in this world is inexcusable.  The greatest of your commandments is to love You with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind.  Jesus said the second greatest is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  Help us to understand that any act we commit that is outside of that kind of love is an affront to You and our fellow human beings.  Give us the mind and heart of Jesus in whose name we pray.

 Doug 

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead 

In Between the Numbers

A friend of mine was the source of today’s Lead & Serve subject.  He related what is really important on a person’s headstone.  It is not your name or the years in which you were born and died; it is the little dash between the years.  That little dash represents the years you lived.  What you did with those years is the mark that you will leave in history.  It also represents your answer to a question that I believe God will ask you someday: “What did you do with the life I gave you?” 

The Bible speaks of a “Judgment Day.”  Jesus said “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of’ Judgement” Matthew 12:36. “He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” John 12:48. The apostle Paul said, “God now commands all men everywhere to repent because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world by righteousness by that man whom he has ordained, whereof he has given assurance unto all men in that he has raised him from the dead” Acts 17:30,31. 

Who will be there?  “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to what he hath done whether it be good or bad” II Corinthians 5:10 

The question is answered simply by “all” which includes, of course, you and I.  So many people believe that death is the end; it is only a small event in a life that is eternal.  This quotation gives pause for thought: 

“The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones”. (Act 3, scene ii of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare) 

Your sins against God and man are not buried with you.  There will be a day of reckoning as the Apostle John wrote:  “And I saw a great white throne and him that sat upon it from whose face the heaven and the earth fled away, and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of Life, and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it and death and hell (Hades) delivered up the dead which were in them and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:11-13. 

You can change the future now!  You are still “In between the numbers” as you read this.  One of the incredible things about Christianity is the fact that accepting Christ as your savior allows God to “reset” what is between your numbers.  All of your past sins are forgiven and EVEN FORGOTTEN by the Grace of God through accepting the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.  He paid all of your debts by his sacrificial death.  The Bible says that your forgiven sins are: “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 

What does it mean to be “saved, born-again, or redeemed” as Christians say?

If you want an understandable answer, please go to: http://mikeandfamily.com/lsblog/?p=298 

Today’s Prayer: 

Father God, I want others to have the peace, joy, and fulfillment that you have given me.  Please help them to answer your call and turn life’s struggle into the joyful journey of walking with Jesus in whose name I pray. 

Doug 

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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The Roman Road to Salvation

This Lead & Serve issue is provided for readers who are curious about or interested in the basic Bible verses that lead to salvation and beyond.

The Roman Road is a collection of verses in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans that offers a clear and structured path to Jesus Christ. Although many people believe they will go to heaven because they have lived a good life, done charity work, been baptized as a child, attended church, or treated others fairly, the Bible declares that none of us can live up to God’s standards of righteousness. Therefore, we need a road to God that doesn’t rely on anything we do, but rather, relies on the gift of His grace alone.

Anyone can “walk” the Roman Road.  If you are reading this, then God has led you to this beginning and the following Biblical mile markers:

1. We must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, accepting our humble position in God’s created order and purpose. Romans 1:20-21:

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

2. We must realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. None of us are worthy under God’s standards. Romans 3:23:

“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”

3. God gave us the way to be forgiven of our sins. He showed us His love by giving us the potential for life through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8:

“But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

4. If we remain sinners, we will die. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have eternal life. Romans 6:23:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

5. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you are saved. Romans 10:9-10:

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

6. There are no other religious formulas or rituals. Just call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved! Romans 10:13:

“For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

7. Determine in your heart to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life today. Romans 11:36:

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

Are You Ready?
The Roman Road shows you the path – are you ready to accept God’s gift of Salvation now? If so, believe in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, repent of your sins, and commit the rest of your life to Him. This is not a ritual, just a prayerful guideline for your sincere step of faith:

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God’s family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

• Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period
• of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
• Find a local church where you can worship God.

If you have questions or need explanation please contact me by email to:

cedarrockent@bellsouth.net 

God has brought you to this point…..don’t stop now!

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Doug

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead                                                 

Issue 194 

Wise Men (and fools) Still Seek Him! 

I have seen “Wise men still seek Him!” on Christmas cards, billboards, church bulletins, and other places throughout the years.  I would imagine there are books, poems, and other media with the same theme or title. 

The phrase draws a parallel between the Biblical reference to the “Wise Men” or “Magi” search for the birthplace of Christ and mankind’s universal search for a connection with God.  The Magi were searching specifically for the prophesied birth of the Messiah; all of us, both wise and foolish, have been searching for a connection with the creator since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden.  History and the Bible both confirm man’s obsession with worship of a deity in one form or another 

There was a time that I thought mankind sought God to explain those things they couldn’t accept, explain, or understand.  We need “closure” on those things that perplex or stress us.  When there is not an obvious answer or reason for a situation we question, we tend to invent an answer that brings closure so that we may go on with life.  All of this was actually a very logical method for me to ignore the call of God.  My pride told me that “I can do anything or handle any situation if I put my mind and efforts toward it.”  That attitude is (to my belief) humanism in its essence.  We look at ourselves as the epitome of life in the universe.  We are “gods” unto ourselves and do not need to consider the existence of a higher power. This attitude is exactly what precipitated the fall of man from God’s grace. 

Proverbs 16:18

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction,
   a haughty spirit before a fall.

 It is a whole lot easier to accept the call of God than to reject it.  God will call you to Himself unceasingly until you respond favorably or die. 

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

 The bible describes a “sin” that is “unpardonable” in this verse:

Matthew 12:31   
³¹ “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 

One of the Bible Scholars that I most respect is the very conservative Dr. J. Vernon McGee.  Someone had asked him to define the unpardonable sin.   His answer was basically this:  The grace of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ is available to all who believe in Him for forgiveness of any sin.  There is nothing we can do in life that God will not forgive through Jesus.  The “unpardonable sin” is to continually “grieve” God’s Holy Spirit by rejecting God’s call to the point of death.  There are no second chances for those who continue to say “no” to God at death.  That is the “unpardonable sin.” 

When God gave created mankind and give them “freewill” to obey or disobey Him, I believe He expected us to obey and love Him as he loved and blessed us.  The Bible’s account of mankind’s constant rebellion towards God’s plan shows the predicament we put Him into.  He wants us to be with Him in love and fellowship, but we cannot because we have contaminated ourselves with sin (un-holiness) and only those that are holy can be with Him.  Sin must be paid for to be forgiven.  The bible says that the “Wages of Sin are death!”  The original mandate of God was that animals be sacrificed and certain rituals be followed among the people of Israel as token payment for their sins.  These animals were of great value to the people and the sacrifice was meaningful.  I am guessing as the population of the earth increased and the people became scattered and diverse from a tribal nature, God was distressed by so many dying in their sin without the benefit of a ritual such as given to Israel.  Another way for mankind to reconcile themselves with God had to be found.  That “way” was the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ the long awaited Messiah.  The way included the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit were given to ALL PEOPLE, not just Israel. 

This is the importance of Christmas to all.  The wise and the foolish are invited into God’s family.  My wish and prayer for you is that you will open your heart and mind to the Gospel of Jesus and that you will recognize and accept the call of the Holy Spirit in your life.  Open your mind and heart to the Spirit and the Holy bible.  I was once a fool, but I have joined the wise in seeking the Kingdom of God. 

John 3:16 

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Today’s Prayer 

Father God, Thank you for never giving up on us.  Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to rejoin you for all eternity through the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the one born on that first Christmas.  The one called Emanuel, “God is with us.”  The one called the Son of God.  Help us to understand that the Creator lowered himself to the level of the created in an act of love that is beyond compare.  

Doug 

(If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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To Lead is To Serve is To Lead                                                 

Issue 193 

Charisma 

I like to think that most subjects for “Lead & Serve” are provided to me by God’s Holy Spirit.  I recently considered writing an issue entitled “The Prosperity Preachers” and I probably will at a later time.  I was thinking about that subject when I read some commentaries concerning so-called religious “cults.”  Merriam Webster’s dictionary has several definitions for “cult.”   This definition best fits our subject today: 

a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents  

In my experience, most of the groups labeled as “cults” by mainstream Christianity have their origins in one person with “charisma.”  It took awhile to get to our title, but I find the relationships to be both interesting and thought provoking.  The folks at Merriam Webster define charisma as: 

a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure 

History has recorded the results of actions by many charismatic individuals and their body of adherents.  Some were great benefactors of society and others were incredibly evil.  When you examine the history of Judeo Christianity you will find no shortage of charismatic individuals with varying numbers of adherents.  Some mainline or orthodox Christians label any belief structure other than their own as a “cult.”  If you are expecting me to launch a diatribe on these groups, you are going to be disappointed.  

I believe that following Christ is a personal decision based on one’s interaction with the calling of God’s Holy Spirit, the Holy Bible, and the witness of those who have accepted Christ as their personal savior.  No one can “sell” Christianity to you; God will continually call you until you answer him or you leave this life. 

John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him …”

 Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in …” 

If you answer the call with an open mind and heart, the Holy Spirit or ‘Comforter” will reveal the things of God to you. 

John 14:26 (New King James Version)

²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 

You can rely on the Holy Spirit and God’s word, the Holy Bible.  My belief is confirmed by the Bible as a collection of the 39 Jewish Torah books and 27 books of the “New Testament” recognized by the Council of Nicene in 325 A.D.   This has stood the test of time, and that’s good enough for me.  This is the point at which I could question or comment concerning groups who have added to or removed portions of the Bible as I accept it.  I do not need to judge or attack the beliefs of others.  It is God’s job to judge.  As a Christian, I must share my faith with those who will listen.  The Holy Spirit will deal with those whose beliefs are incorrect.  I am to share Christ with, love, and pray for my fellow human beings.  

There are many examples of charismatic people who represented themselves as messengers of God and were later proven to be deceivers, con-artists, sexual predators, thieves, ego maniacs, insane, or downright evil.  The misery they have caused people and the damage to the cause of Christ created by their actions is documented. The Bible gives great advice in discerning who is a Spirit led believer. 

Matthew 7:15-16¹

⁵ “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

Matthew 7:21-23

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 

I have learned that anytime you place your complete trust and faith in another human being, you will be disappointed.  Preachers, Priests, Prophets, Popes, Rabbis, Bishops, Doctors of Theology, and all others are human beings.  The Bible says: 

Romans 3:22-
²² This righteousness is given through faith in^[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

Jesus Christ was certainly charismatic.  He once asked His disciples a question: 

Luke 9:18-20

¹⁸ And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
¹⁹ So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”
²⁰ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 

The one thing that separates Christianity from the rest of the world’s major religions is that Jesus of Nazareth said that he was God and his followers believed he was God!  The Bible has many verses that indicate Jesus was indeed God in the flesh.  Through the witness of God’s Holy Sprit in my soul, heart, and mind I KNOW THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS INDEED GOD! 

John 10:30

I and my Father are one. 

John 1:1, 3, 10, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…All things were made by him…He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us

John 14:9

Jesus saith…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 

1 John 5:7

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  

Today’s Prayer 

Lord, Please help us to listen to your Holy Sprit as He calls us and reveals the truth of your word.  Protect us from the charismatic callings of the enemy of souls.  Jesus is the light of the world.  We pray for His light in these dark times. 

Doug

 (If you want to be on the email list, just let me know.  You won’t be asked for anything and your address WILL NEVER BE GIVEN TO ANYONE!)

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